Netflix is making waves this Christmas by broadcasting NFL games for the first time, catering to millions of fans eager for some holiday gridiron action. This unprecedented move sees two exciting matchups being streamed exclusively on the platform, giving sports enthusiasts another reason to embrace the festive season.
On December 25, 2024, fans can tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens face off against the Houston Texans at 3:30 PM, following the earlier game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, which kicks off at 12:00 PM. Both matchups are pivotal as teams make their last push for playoff positioning.
The announcement of Enrique Garay's return to the NFL broadcast scene has generated excitement among fans, particularly those who recognized Garay from his years of coverage on TV Azteca. He is teaming up with renowned commentator Raúl Allegre for the Ravens vs. Texans game. Allegre excitedly tweeted, "¡Feliz Navidad! Enrique Garay y yo tendremos la narración del 2o partido de hoy entre @Ravens y @HoustonTexans en todo el mundo de habla Hispana por @netflix. Ayer hicimos las pruebas y todo bien. ¡Los esperamos!" The anticipation for Garay’s return is palpable, with many longtime fans eagerly awaiting his commentary.
For the earlier matchup, Miguel Gurwitz and Rolando Cantú have been assigned to narrate the Chiefs vs. Steelers game. Both commentators previously worked together on Amazon Prime Video, bringing experience to this high-stakes playoff race.
Netflix's foray onto the NFL's playing field is not just about streaming football; it also marks a significant investment, with reports indicating the platform paid around $150 million to secure the rights for these games. This figure comprises $75 million per game—substantial by any measure and indicative of Netflix's commitment to capturing the sports market.
Last-minute tests of the broadcast capabilities have reassured both commentators and viewers alike, ensuring overall quality as fans prepare to settle down to enjoy the games. While initial reception is mixed—viewers rated the image high but expressed some disappointment with the narrators—Netflix remains optimistic about engaging fans through its innovative approach.
The move to air NFL games is seen as part of Netflix’s broader strategy to diversify its content portfolio and attract new subscribers, especially within Latino markets. NFL games have historically drawn significant viewership, and coupling this with the platform's ability to stream on-demand offers fans flexibility to catch their favorite teams.
Fans across Mexico and Latin America will have access to the games live through their Netflix subscriptions, priced from 119 pesos per month. This allows those with Netflix to stream the excitement directly to their homes without missing any action.
Critics and fans alike are curious about how this new venture will evolve, especially as social media reactions to early broadcasts were described as polarized. While some viewers found the commentary off-putting, others lauded the unique opportunity to experience NFL games on Netflix, setting the stage for potentially fruitful future collaborations if this venture succeeds.
All eyes will be on December 25, not just for the holiday but also for how Netflix executes this groundbreaking NFL broadcast. Fans are encouraged to engage with the commentators, provide feedback, and share their thoughts as the world of sports broadcasting potentially shifts with this new entrant. Will Netflix's Christmas broadcast be the new standard for sports streaming? Time will tell!
